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Timberwolves Dominate Shorthanded Mavericks in 121-99 Victory

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 2:09 GMT by Sporting News

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Timberwolves Dominate Shorthanded Mavericks; Naz Reid Sparks Bench Scoring

In a Wednesday night showdown at the American Airlines Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves blew away the Dallas Mavericks, 121‑99, in a game that showcased the Wolves’ defensive intensity, the Mavericks’ injury‑laden lineup, and an unexpected offensive spark from bench man Naz Reid.

The match, which came early in the 2023‑24 NBA season, is notable for the way it exposed the Mavericks’ depth problems. Dallas, who had already struggled to find a consistent rhythm after a 15‑point loss to the Denver Nuggets the week before, entered the game with a number of key contributors on the bench. The injury report listed guard‑forward Jalen Brunson (minor ankle issue), rookie point guard Deni Avdija (back spasms), and forward‑center Deandre Ayton (knee soreness) as questionable, while star guard Luka Doncic sat out a few minutes for a sore foot. The result: the Mavericks were forced to rely heavily on their bench, and it was that rotation that found its rhythm early in the contest.

Naz Reid: A Bench‑Turner

Reid, who had previously been in and out of the starting lineup, answered the call in Dallas’ favor by dropping 22 points, shooting 9‑of‑14 from the field and 4‑of‑5 from beyond the arc. His 7‑point run in the first quarter set the tone for the Mavericks, helping them build a slim 13‑5 lead at the end of the opening period. Reid’s energy on the floor was a bright spot, but the rest of the bench struggled to keep pace. While he found the rim 4 times and pulled down 3 rebounds, the Mavericks’ other bench players—mostly rookies and fringe veterans—failed to provide a sustained offensive spark.

Reid’s performance also underscored a deeper issue: Dallas’ shooting was inconsistent throughout the game. The Mavericks went 27‑of‑78 from the field, translating to a 34.6 % shooting percentage. They were particularly ineffective from three, making only 6‑of‑27 attempts (22.2 %). Even on the defensive end, the Mavericks allowed the Timberwolves to hit 17 of 33 three‑pointers, a fact that made it impossible for Dallas to keep up in the late‑game stretches.

Timberwolves’ Defensive Masterclass

The Wolves, meanwhile, showcased a disciplined, team‑first defense that forced the Mavericks into a series of turnovers and contested shots. Minnesota’s defense, which has been one of the best in the league for the season (ranked 3rd in defensive rating), did a great job of limiting the Mavericks’ star players to the bench. Anthony Edwards—who had been one of the most explosive guards in the league this year—was contained by the Wolves’ perimeter defense, shooting just 8‑of‑20 from the field (40 %) and 2‑of‑9 from beyond the arc (22.2 %). Meanwhile, the Wolves forced 23 turnovers, outscoring Dallas 11‑5 on forced turnovers alone.

Beyond the numbers, the Wolves employed a full‑court press in the closing minutes that stifled Dallas’ ball‑handling. The defensive pressure was so intense that it forced Dallas to go to the bench for a large portion of the fourth quarter, where the team’s lack of depth became even more apparent.

A Game of Momentum and Execution

While the Timberwolves’ 121‑99 victory was a comfortable margin, the game was essentially decided in the first half. Minnesota built a 12‑point lead by the end of the second quarter, and Dallas never quite recovered. The Wolves’ offensive efficiency was a key factor, as they shot 46.5 % from the field, with a 35 % success rate from three‑point range and an impressive 78 % free‑throw percentage.

Key contributors on the Wolves’ side included Jaden McDaniels (18 points, 8 rebounds) and the veteran point guard, Kira Lewis Jr., who orchestrated the offense with 8 assists and 7 steals. The frontcourt trio—Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Jalen Johnson—put up a combined 51 points and controlled the paint on both ends of the floor.

Impact on Standings and Outlook

The win keeps the Timberwolves firmly in the playoff contention zone, pushing them to a 33‑27 record and solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the Western Conference. For the Mavericks, the loss furthered the uncertainty around their roster construction. With a 28‑34 record, the Dallas team has been hovering near the playoff threshold, and the injury issues from the bench raise questions about whether they can keep the momentum going as the season progresses.

Follow‑Up Coverage

The Sporting News article also linked to a detailed recap from ESPN that highlighted the Wolves’ defensive statistics and provided a player‑by‑player breakdown. Additionally, a supplemental video interview with Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was cited, where Finch praised his team’s execution of the defensive game plan and discussed how he would address the Mavericks’ offensive mismatches.

In sum, the game highlighted the contrast between a defense‑oriented, depth‑rich Timberwolves squad and a Mavericks side that struggled to find its offensive rhythm without its key starters. Naz Reid’s 22‑point outing was a bright moment in an otherwise uneven night for Dallas, while the Wolves’ cohesive play, especially on defense, secured a comfortable victory that bolstered their playoff hopes.